Eddie Bonine making most of rotation spot with Tigers

AP File PhotoDetroit Tigers pitcher Eddie Bonine won both games he started this season. His next start comes Friday against the Chicago White Sox.CLEVELAND -- Eddie Bonine couldn't have expected to make the pitching rotation when he was recalled this month as rosters expanded. He was ticketed for middle relief as the Detroit Tigers chased a division title.

But with Armando Galarraga and Jarrod Washburn pitching ineffectively because of injuries and Nate Robertson briefly coming out of the rotation with a groin injury, Bonine got a chance to start.

His next one comes Friday night when he faces the Chicago White Sox. Detroit has won both games he started this year by identical 4-3 scores.

"I think he's hungry and he's going to do what you ask," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "He'll adjust to anything. He's been great and is a wonderful kid you are pulling for. And he's one of those guys who has to use all his artillery."

Bonine doesn't have great stuff but uses all his pitches well, including a knuckler he throws 15 percent of the time, and throws strikes.

He got the win July 24 against the White Sox, allowing three runs in six innings. But he didn't figure in the decision Sept. 16 after giving up three runs in five innings to the Kansas City Royals.

"It's exciting to be part of this," said Bonine, 28. "Everyone in this clubhouse is excited."

He made his major league debut last year for Detroit, going 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA in five midseason starts. Bonine surprisingly made the Tigers' opening day roster as a reliever but was sent to Toledo in late April after struggling.

He said working with Mud Hens pitching coach A.J. Sager paid dividends.

"My delivery is more consistent," Bonine said, "and my changeup is improved. I can use it against right-handers now, too, and throw it in any count. My secondary pitches are better now."

And so is his haircut. Bonine recently trimmed the Mohawk he had sported into a simple brush cut.

"Two months ago, when we were struggling in Toledo, I got the Mohawk," Bonine said. "We started to win and nine to 10 guys got them. Wilkin Ramirez did the haircuts."

Ramirez, a fleet outfielder, lost the Mohawk when coming up to Detroit.

"The guys told me, 'You are not going to keep that when you go to the big leagues,' " Bonine said. "But I kept it even though the guys gave me a hard time. I don't care what people think in that way. I can be sarcastic and confident."

Sticking in the majors isn't even close to the biggest challenge Bonine faced this season. He lost his mother, Danelle Eckman, to cancer early in the season.

"It's tough," Bonine said. "This year's been tough at times. But, obviously, Mom is in a good place now and watching and rooting us on."